Kaylin Casper has been awarded the nationally competitive Udall Undergraduate Scholarship, becoming Michigan State University’s 14th Udall Scholar.
Casper is Anishinaabe and a direct descendant of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. She is an Honors College junior double-majoring in Sociology in the College of Social Science and Humanities-Prelaw in the College of Arts & Letters. She also is pursuing a minor in American Indian and Indigenous Studies and a minor in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Sexuality Studies – both through the College of Arts & Letters.
“Kaylin Casper’s scholastic excellence, dedication to tribal issues and advocacy for marginalized communities make this a most well-deserved recognition from the Udall Foundation,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “She is clearly a caring and deeply engaged scholar who I am proud to see representing MSU in this unique scholarship program.”
The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship identifies future leaders in environmental, Tribal public policy, and health care fields. It honors the legacies of Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall, whose careers had a significant impact on Native American self-governance, health care, and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources.
“Kaylin Casper’s scholastic excellence, dedication to tribal issues and advocacy for marginalized communities make this a most well-deserved recognition from the Udall Foundation,”
Kevin M. Guskiewicz, MSU President
Casper was awarded the scholarship for Tribal Policy. She is passionate about legislation serving Native and marginalized communities. She plans to pursue a career in law and social justice that advocates for American Indigenous peoples, their education, opportunities, and economic well-being. She hopes to work in Native human and civil rights, specifically developing federal law to reduce poverty, improve wealth distribution, and lessen gender and LGBTQ+ inequalities.
“I am incredibly honored to have been selected for the Udall Scholarship and I look forward to representing my communities and Michigan State,” Casper said. “I am on a life mission to make Indigenous liberation a tangible reality for our communities, and I am humbled that the Udall Foundation recognizes my vision and commitment to my communities.”
Casper is one of 55 students selected as 2024 Udall Scholars. Nine Scholars intend to pursue careers related to Tribal public policy, including Casper; 37 Scholars intend to pursue careers related to the environment; and nine Scholars plan to pursue careers related to Native health care. The applicant pool included 406 students nominated by 192 colleges and universities across the United States.
An 18-member independent review committee selected this year’s group of Udall Scholars on the basis of commitment to careers in the environment, Tribal public policy, or Native health care; leadership potential; record of public service; and academic achievement. The review committee also awarded 55 Honorable Mentions.
“I am on a life mission to make Indigenous liberation a tangible reality for our communities, and I am humbled that the Udall Foundation recognizes my vision and commitment to my communities.”
Kaylin Casper
“From the moment she stepped on campus, Kaylin has been a fierce advocate for Native students,” said Christopher P. Long, Dean of the College of Arts & Letters and Dean of the Honors College. “Through her research on cultural appropriation and advocacy in student government, she is a champion of inclusivity and progress. We are excited for Kaylin to continue her path of leadership and excellence as a Udall Scholar.”
Casper is the student government representatie for the North American Indigenous Student Organization (NAISO) and is an active on the Land Acknowledgement Plaque Committee that is working to install a physical land acknowledgement plaque on MSU’s campus. She also is a member of the Social Science Scholars Program and an Associated Students of MSU General Assembly representative. She attended John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California.
“MSU is enormously fortunate to have Kaylin Casper among its student body, but the lives of this university’s Native students have been especially enriched by her intelligence, drive, and compassion,” said Professor John Waller, Director of the Social Science Scholars Program. “I have no doubt that, having excelled in every respect here, she will soar in law school and become the dedicated human rights attorney she aspires to be.”
Each Udall Scholarship provides $7,000 for the awardee’s junior or senior year of college. The 2024 Udall Scholars will connect with each other at the annual program orientation where they will meet scholarship alumni, learn about the Udall legacy, and interact with community leaders.
“This accomplishment would not have been possible without the all-embracing support of my communities, family, friends, and professors,” Casper said. “Chi-miigwech (thank you) to my professor mentors – Dr. John Waller, Dr. Sarah Prior, and Dr. Monique Kelly; Chi-miigwech to all my amazing friends and family, including Roxy Sprowl, my NAISO community, and my dad. And, lastly, Chi-miigwech to my mom, Aunt Bunny, and Grammy. Without their strong support and Indigenous resilience throughout my life, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
Written by Brandi Stover and Anneliese Mackel for the Honors College Distinguished Student Awards Office
